Business Details
38 Years
experience
Bespoke Furniture & Restoration Services
Established in 1988, Tom S Ironside Furniture Group has built a reputation for excellence in bespoke furniture creation, antique restoration, and conservation work across Aberdeenshire. Our workshop in Finzean houses a dedicated team of highly skilled craftsmen specialising in traditional techniques such as French polishing, wood carving, and veneering. We serve private and corporate clients with custom commissions, from ceremonial chairs for institutions like Robert Gordon University to intricate fireplace restorations for historic properties.Our commitment to preserving original materials and finishes, alongside modern adaptations for daily-use furniture, reflects decades of technical expertise. The team's combined experience in heritage conservation, including work for the National Trust for Scotland, ensures each project maintains historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
French Polishing
Lacquer Finishing
Wood Carving
Veneering
Chair Caning
Rushing
Conservation
Restoration Classes
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years' experience in heritage furniture conservation
- Team of specialists in traditional techniques like French polishing
- Proven track record with prestigious projects like Fife Arms Hotel fireplace
- Personalised service for both private and corporate commissions
- Use of period-appropriate materials for authentic restorations
What people say
Highly skilled craftsmen
Authentic restoration work
Attention to detail
Expert knowledge
Professional approach
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Design and manufacture of unique furniture tailored to client specifications. Incorporates traditional woodworking techniques with modern adaptations for functionality. Available for private homes and corporate spaces including presentation pieces and fireplaces.
Antique Restoration
Specialists in repairing historical wooden items using traditional materials and methods. Capable of reconstructing missing components while preserving original finishes. Experienced with items from grandfather clocks to 19th-century fireplaces.
French Polishing
Application of shellac using time-honoured techniques to achieve a 'toffee apple' surface. Ideal for antiques and high-end furniture, creating a protective layer while enhancing wood grain visibility.
Conservation Work
Stabilisation of historic interiors and artefacts using period-appropriate materials. Completed projects include National Trust for Scotland properties and Grade A listed buildings. Minimises deterioration while maintaining structural authenticity.
Restoration Classes
Guided sessions for amateur restorers covering polishing and repair techniques. Runs weekly morning and afternoon classes in three 10-week blocks annually. Combines practical skills development with social interaction.
People
Tom Ironside
Cabinet Maker
Over 60 years' experience in furniture restoration and conservation. Created ceremonial chairs for Robert Gordon University. Specialises in traditional woodworking techniques and heritage preservation.
Doreen Ironside
French Polisher
30+ years' expertise in lacquer and shellac finishing. Noted for flame mahogany jewellery box restoration. Trained in period-appropriate polishing methods.
Jenny Brand
Furniture Finisher
Experienced in French polishing and oil finishing. Specialises in mid-century furniture restoration. Ten years' experience applying traditional and modern surface treatments.
Moira Aitken
Furniture Restorer
30 years' experience in furniture restoration and woven seating. Led fireplace restoration projects at the Fife Arms. Skilled in both structural repairs and surface conservation.
Claudia Paterson
Bespoke Manufacturer
Specialises in creating unique furniture items. Thirty years' experience producing award-winning pieces including the Mortcloth display cabinet for Trinity Hall in Aberdeen.
Questions
Do you work on both antique and modern furniture?
Yes, we specialise in antique restoration using traditional methods alongside creating modern pieces with contemporary finishes.
Can you match specific design requirements for custom furniture?
We create bespoke items to client specifications, including unique commissions for private and corporate clients.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily operating from Finzean, Aberdeenshire, we complete projects throughout North East Scotland.
Do you offer finishing services separately?
Yes, we provide French polishing, lacquer application, and oil finishes as standalone services for completed woodwork.
Are restoration classes available for beginners?
Our weekly workshops cater to enthusiasts of all skill levels, focusing on practical furniture restoration techniques.
